Across Africa, the way people access meals is undergoing a transformation. A convergence of food delivery startups is on the rise.
Whether it’s a university student in Lagos ordering jollof rice from a web app or a Cairo professional relying on groceries delivered to her door, convenience is fast becoming the new standard.
What’s driving this transformation is a new breed of African startups, each building solutions attuned to local infrastructure, culture, and needs.
Techparley curates a list of 10 startups that are redefining the future of food delivery in Africa, and in doing so, helping to build the infrastructure for the continent’s broader digital economy.
Chowdeck
Chowdeck was founded in Lagos and has since expanded across eight Nigerian cities and into Accra, Ghana.
The startup has built a loyal user base by empowering restaurants, improving logistics, and maintaining high standards. Chowdeck positions itself not just as a delivery platform but as a growth partner for food vendors.
Glovo
Despite its European roots, Glovo has become one of Africa’s most active delivery players, operating in Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana, Uganda, Morocco, and Côte d’Ivoire.
Glovo offers more than meals, it’s a multi logistics platform that delivers groceries, medicine, and everyday essentials through a user-friendly app. In many ways, Glovo remains the benchmark for global players operating on the continent.
Breadfast
Breadfast is a Cairo-born food and grocery delivery platform. It started as a fresh bread delivery service and rapidly expanded to include dairy, snacks, and household items.
Its mobile-first platform appeals to young professionals and families alike. As more consumers opt for daily or weekly delivery over supermarket trips, Breadfast is setting the standard in the Egyptian on-demand space.
Ando Foods
Nairobi-based Ando Foods is a kitchen startup that builds delivery-first food brands. It operates delivery-only kitchens that serve high-quality meals prepared for quick and seamless last-mile delivery.
With demand for diverse cuisine and affordable delivery growing in East Africa, Ando’s cloud kitchen model could become a scalable solution for the region’s foodservice gaps.
beU Delivery
beU Delivery, founded in Addis Ababa, is one of Ethiopia’s pioneering food delivery startups. The company offers a culturally relevant platform that connects local restaurants with customers in a market previously underserved by delivery apps.
It has built systems to accept cash, optimize for low-infrastructure environments, and ensure reliable order fulfilment. beU represents what’s possible when startups embrace local conditions rather than import foreign models.
Tupuca
Tupuca launched in Luanda and quickly became Angola’s top delivery platform. Originally focused on food, it has expanded into groceries, medicine, and courier services, evolving into a full-service urban logistics app.
Tupuca’s real power lies in localisation. The app supports Portuguese, local currencies, and local merchants, giving it a homegrown advantage over international players.
Kwaba
Kwaba is a Ghanaian food delivery startup dedicated to providing healthy, locally sourced meals. It works directly with farmers and local food suppliers to ensure freshness and traceability.
By placing emphasis on both health and sustainability, Kwaba appeals to Ghana’s population. IAs Accra’s digital food economy grows, Kwaba stands out for blending nutrition, technology, and local sourcing.
CHAO
CHAO is Nigeria’s fast-growing campus-focused delivery platform, launched by Gift Akobundu and Melvin Senne-Aya. It targets university students, delivering food, groceries, and medicine across campus communities.
What gives CHAO an edge is its proximity-based model. With operations centred around student hubs like Babcock University, the startup can guarantee faster delivery and build strong brand loyalty.
Yum Deliveries
Yum Deliveries is a Kenyan food delivery startup making waves with its eco-conscious and locally inclusive model. The company partners with local chefs and restaurants to curate a diverse menu of healthy, affordable meals.
Its commitment to showcasing local culinary talent has earned it a strong community following. Yum is carving out a niche at the intersection of green logistics and food culture.
OneOrder
OneOrder addresses one of the most overlooked parts of the food delivery equation: restaurant supply. Based in Cairo, the startup offers a platform for restaurants to order bulk ingredients and manage stock more efficiently.
Rather than going through unreliable middlemen or distributors, food businesses can access a centralised platform for timely and quality deliveries. OneOrder positions itself as the logistical backbone of Egypt’s growing foodservice sector.
Why Food Delivery Matters
For many Africans, especially in fast-growing cities like Lagos, Nairobi, and Accra, food delivery has become more than just a convenience, it’s a vital service that fits into the rhythm of modern life.
Take Amaka, a 28-year-old marketing executive in Lagos who often works late into the night. Between Lagos traffic and her demanding job, cooking daily became impossible.
Through platforms like Chowdeck and Glovo, she now orders affordable, hot meals delivered to her door in under 30 minutes. It has not only improved her quality of life but also allowed her to focus on career growth without sacrificing nutrition.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is food delivery important in Africa?
Food delivery offers vital convenience, creates income opportunities for thousands of riders, expands market access for local restaurants and farmers, and bridges infrastructure gaps.
How much do I need to start a food delivery business in Africa?
Startup costs vary by country and model, but costs can be lowered through partnerships, outsourcing, or focusing on a specific niche like campus delivery.
Is food delivery service profitable?
Yes, it can be profitable if operations are optimised. Profitability depends on factors like delivery speed, vendor relationships, commission structure, and customer retention.
